Pterygium Removal Surgery

Overview


A Pterygium is a reddish, fleshy tissue that grows in a triangular shape over the cornea. It usually occurs on the inner corner of the eye and grows towards the pupil, though it may also appear on the outer corner. A Pterygium tends to grow slowly and although relatively harmless, it could grow large enough that it covers the pupil or eye and as a result, interfere with vision.

What you need to know

Symptoms of Pterygium would include persistent redness, inflammation, foreign body sensation or dry and itchy eyes. In advanced cases, the Pterygium could invade the cornea thus affecting vision with the potential of induced astigmatism and corneal scarring.

pterygium-on-left-eye

Whats the cause

The exact cause for Pterygium is unknown however long-term exposure to sunlight, especially Ultraviolet (UV) rays has appeared to be the most likely contributing factor. Hence, Pterygium tends to occur more frequently in those who spend a lot of time outdoors and is more commonly found in hot tropical climates and usually within the people in the 20 – 40 age group. Additionally, Pterygium are twice as likely to occur in men than women and very rarely in children.

Prevention

Wearing protective sunglasses with side shields and/or wide brimmed hats and using artificial tear drops throughout the day may help prevent their formation or stop further growth. People that love the outdoors should wear eye protection that block 100% of the UV rays.

Treatment Option


Definitive treatment is achieved only by surgical removal. A variety of options are available for the management of Pterygium, from -irradiation, to conjunctival auto-grafting or amniotic membrane transplantation with glue and/or suture application. Long-term follow up is required as Pterygium may recur even after complete surgical correction.

When a Pterygium becomes red and irritated, eye drops or ointments may be used to soothe the inflammation. But this will not halt the growth. When the Pterygium grows too large and begins to threaten sight, we would recommend having it surgically removed. As part of the procedure, a patch of translucent skin called the conjunctiva is used to patch over the site of removal. Chances of a Pterygium growing back after removal are low. Though uncommon, a Pterygium may return but this usually affects the younger generation who are constantly exposed to the sun’s UV rays.

pterygium-growth

Contact an Eye Care Physician

People with Pterygium should be seen by an eye care professional annually, so that encroachment on the pupil can be recognized and treated before interference with vision. Call Eagle Eye Centre for an appointment if you have a Pterygium for evaluation and possible treatment.

Locate us

Mt Alvernia

820 Thomson Road,
Mount Alvernia Hospital,
Medical Centre D, #06-57/58/59/60/61/62
Singapore 574623

Fax: (65) 6456 1006
Mt Elizabeth Orchard

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre,
3 Mount Elizabeth #08-08,
Singapore 228510

Fax: (65) 6836 0002
Parkway East

Parkway East Medical Centre,
319 Joo Chiat Place,
#05-03 Singapore 427989

Fax: (65) 6348-1001
Mt Elizabeth Novena

38 Irawaddy Road,
Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre,
#08-22/23/24 Singapore 329563

Fax: (65) 6570 1001
Westgate

Westgate Mall,
3 Gateway Drive,
#02-42A Singapore 608532

Fax: (65) 6250-6066
Royal Square at Novena

Royal Square Novena Medical Centre at Royal Square at Novena,
101 Irrawaddy Road,
#11-07 to 13 Singapore 329565

Fax: (65) 6456-1002
King Albert Park

KAP Residences Mall,
9 King Albert Park,
#01-42/43/44 Singapore 598332

Fax: (65) 6475-1880
StarMed Specialist Centre

12 Farrer Park Station Road,
#05-02/03/04,
StarMed Specialist Centre, Singapore 217565


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